JATOO seeking transport minister's intervention

Members of the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO), are to lead a march to Parliament today, to seek the intervention of Transport Minister Dr. Omar Davies, in the sector.



JATOO said despite telephone calls and letters, it has not been able to get a meeting with Dr. Davies to discuss its concerns.



JATOO’s National Coordinator Egeton Newman said his members are upset over what they claim is mistreatment and harassment by the police.



He said despite an agreement reached on new terms of operation, the police have continued their clampdown on taxi operators by seizing vehicles, removing licence plates and wrongfully arresting drivers.



He said during today’s march a letter is to be hand delivered to the transport minister to press for a meeting.



Newman said taxi operators are concerned about the likely fallout to the transport sector from the tax measures announced last week.



JATOO has expressed disappointment that the transport minister has not met with the association to discuss its proposal for a 40 per cent fare increase.



It has insisted that the increase is needed in light of the high cost of fuel and the expected increase in operational costs arising from the impending tax measures.



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